Prolific Scottish troubadour on album number 20. Sometimes less is more!

Edinburgh musician Richard Haswell has been skirting the surface for 15 years now releasing over 20 albums and EP's under the name of Rhubarb as well as under his own name and via numerous 'side-projects'. He is that rare beast, a man who has managed to maintain an enviable level of creativity whilst never conceding to the demands of the mainstream, conversely this has meant he'll probably never be able to quit the day job, but he's doing what he wants to do how it wants to do it and you can't say fairer than that.

This latest release (2 and a half years in the making) was recorded on his home laptop with spare contributions from guest musicians. It is obvious from the outset that this is a labour of love but unfortunately I find it hard to imagine anyone but the already converted swooning over this pleasant and well meaning but ultimately forgettable record which at times can sound a little too amateurish for it's own good.

Haswell's voice is a cracked, expressive instrument which takes some tuning into but it suits his downcast songs down to a 'T'. Lyrically he's consistently engaging but never revelatory, whether it be bemoaning 'music today' (the Neil Young referencing 'Post Goldrush Blues') or a faded relationship ('Cause and Effect') and there are some great melodies and hooks hidden amongst the records layers of loops, synths and guitar. It never really comes together though and Haswell's voice (think Roger Waters circa 'The Wall') just isn't strong enough to carry some of his more ambitious melodies. He's much more effective when he's not trying to sing (such as in the doom-laden 'Arise') and just lets his fractured, caramel tones voice the words naturally.

It's a shame Haswell has never actually sought out wider acceptance from the industry he so obviously despises as I genuinely think it would cause him to hone his craft. As it stands though he's probably happy to remain a cult, bedsit figure churning out a couple of mediocre albums a year. What a pity.

Benjamin Hiorns